Wee Read and Play

What is Early Learning?

Early learning is everything children know about reading and writing before they can actually read and write.

Why READ and PLAY?

Children who are exposed to print-rich environments, full of fun, interactive opportunities to explore and learn will develop early learning skills. By reading to your child, including books in your child’s environment, and showing them that reading is fun, you are ensuring your child will enter school ready to learn.

READ to your baby. READ it again!

Reading together is the most effective way parents can help their children become proficient readers. Repetition is important. Reading the same book over and over helps your child recognize and learn story structure and builds vocabulary, both important components in learning to read. Join 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, our reading program for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, to track your reading in a keepsake journal and earn recognition along the way.

PLAY promotes Learning

Playing with your child is easy and fun. Talking about your day, singing a favorite song, playing a game like peek-a-boo or drawing in the sand are simple ways to increase language and help your child get ready for school.

Here are some ideas on how to PLAY with your young child:

Visit the library or attend a storytime.

Sing the ABC song, or another nursery rhyme.

Use a puppet or stuffed animal to tell a story.

Scribble with a crayon.

Count fingers and toes, 1-10.

Play Peek-a-Boo.

Blow bubbles and try clapping your hands to pop them.

Listen to music. Clap or wiggle to the beat.

Take a walk and name everything you see!

Do a fingerplay, like The Itsy Bitsy Spider or I’m a Little Teapot.

Have a basket of books within your child’s reach to play with often.

Declare a letter of the day and point out everything you see that begins with that letter.

Pretend to call your baby on the phone and have a conversation with her.